Support for Cayla and Baby Marigold

Dear family, friends, and supporters,

On February 11th, 2016, our dear friend Cayla gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, who she named Marigold. Baby was born with a perfect little nose and a full head of wavy dark brown hair. 

Unfortunately, for reasons that are not clear and were not within the control of mother, baby, or those involved in the labor and delivery process, Marigold was not breathing spontaneously and was limp when she was born. A breathing tube was placed at St. Peter's hospital and Marigold was transferred to the NICU at Seattle Children's Hospital (SCH), where  she was put on a core body temperature cooling protocol which is thought to be neuroprotective in neonates like Marigold who experience Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). 

During her hospitalization, Marigold was experiencing seizures that were difficult to control with medication, and continued to have significant respiratory difficulties. Marigold put up a brave fight and she was initially able to be taken off the ventilator. She was readily absorbing her mother's milk through a nasogastric (NG) tube and her kidneys, heart, and other vital organs were working well. Her family and excellent care team of doctors and nurses were hopeful that meaningful recovery might occur. However, a recent MRI sadly revealed severe damage to Marigold's cerebral cortex. Currently, Marigold is surrounded by her loving parents and caring family  (grandparents, uncles, aunts, pseudo-aunts) but her prognosis is bleak. 

Out of respect for Cayla and Marigold, I will refrain from giving further details and will allow Cayla to share more when she feels she is ready to do so. While the emotional burden is the most salient part of the current circumstances, it goes without saying that significant costs have been incured during Marigold's time at SCH. 

In addition to your thoughts, prayers, and positive emotional energy, I ask that you consider contributing financially. Your monetary contributions will go towards helping with medical bills, costs of food and lodging for the parents while they are in Seattle, and continued support upon the family's return to Helena. 

Thank you.